Curiosity Quote by James Runcie
““I think we’ve lost our awareness of what “wonder” really means: the more we content ourselves with the narrow confines of our existence, the less we wonder. It’s like the word “awful”. Now it’s something bad, but previously it was close to wonder. People were filled with awe.””
About This Quote
When we limit our view to routine life, we lose the capacity for awe and curiosity, diminishing our sense of wonder.
In simple terms: Narrow focus reduces awe and curiosity.
Key Takeaway
Broaden perspective to regain wonder.
Themes
wonder
curiosity
awe
mindset
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- education
- travel
- creative work
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How does routine diminish your sense of awe?
- What can you do to rekindle wonder?
A Different Perspective
Awe can be fleeting; sustained effort may be needed to maintain it.
![“We have no clear ideas of the agency of [demonic] spirits, nor is it necessary. The Scripture says little to satisfy our curiosity; but tells us plainly that he is always watching us, and desiring to sift us as wheat. I believe we give him no more than his due, when we charge him with having a…” quote by John Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/john-newton-6629_abundance_we-have-no-clear-ideas-of-the-agency-of_2907.jpg)
![“[T]he question "What is everything?" has no meaning, even though it seems to be profound. [...] The point is, perhaps, that I am not looking for a verbal answer, just as when I ask for a kiss, I do not want a piece of paper with "A kiss" written on it. It is rather that metaphysical wonder looks…” quote by Alan W. Watts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/705/alan-w-watts-9497_curiosity_t-he-question-what-is-everything-has-no_3984.jpg)
![“By profession a biologist, [Thomas Henry Huxley] covered in fact the whole field of the exact sciences, and then bulged through its four fences. Absolutely nothing was uninteresting to him. His curiosity ranged from music to theology and from philosophy to history. He didn't simply know something…” quote by H. L. Mencken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f46/h-l-mencken-245_absolutely-nothing_by-profession-a-biologist-thomas-henry-h_5368.jpg)
